Stuart Hooper has stood by Bath Rugby’s selections for the Premiership Rugby Cup.

At the start of the three Pool 1 matches the general manager said he wanted to give players who needed it game time and develop the youngsters but also wanted it to act as a “springboard” for the return to Premiership action next weekend. A chance to get a win or two.

Other than Freddie Burns, Semesa Rokoduguni, Nathan Catt and Henry Thomas, every player who has been fit and available who is likely to start against Worcester Warriors has got at least some game time.

But defeats to Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Falcons have lengthened the winless run to seven matches, not brought it to an end.

And despite losing the first two matches of the new domestic cup, Bath decided against strengthening their ranks with first-teamers at Kingston Park to build cohesion, confidence or momentum.

“Guys who don’t necessarily even train every day have the opportunity to train full-time at Farleigh then come out and represent the first team.

“It’s a developmental opportunity for us and in that sense it served its purpose.”

He said it was a “fantastic advert” for the working partnership with the University of Bath. Levi Davis, Jack Davies, Will Britton, Tom Doughty, Miles Reid and Josh Bayliss all study or have recently studied there.

Hooper added: “A lot of players in our squad of 63 people (senior and academy) have put their hands up and showed they want to be picked.

Alex Davies kicks for touch (Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“In that respect, there have been big positives. Everyone of us here is part of something bigger than ourselves.

“It’s about making sure we take the really good bits into the next block of three Premiership games and two Champions Cup games against Leinster and push forward.

“The lads who aren’t here tonight have been training today; making sure we lay foundations for those Premiership games.

“The guys have a very clear understanding, going into the Worcester game, of what we’re looking to do.”